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Small-Sword, c. 1790-1800 (gold with blue translucent enamel, etched
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Small-Sword, c. 1790-1800 (gold with blue translucent enamel, etched
500307 Small-Sword, c.1790-1800 (gold with blue translucent enamel, etched, blued & gilded steel) by Swiss School, (18th century); overall l:97 wt:0.43kg blade l:81 hilt l:16.5 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: This example shows the small-sword at its latest and most refined stage of development. Though highly reflective of French taste, it was probably fashioned in a Swiss workshop under French influence or by a French craftsman working in Switzerland. Worn publicly as an emblem of social rank, this sword was likely custom-made for an affluent individual to use on formal or court occasions. So-called because of its short blade, the small-sword emerged as the light and quick weapon of choice for aristocratic civilians during the 1700s. Such a sword was traditionally suspended at about mid-thigh from the left side of a belt, the hilt exposed through the opening of the gentlemans coat. Highly visible, the hilt invited lavish decoration through precious materials such as gold and enamels, as seen here. Considered a type of masculine jewelry at that time, small-swords featured a variety of hilt styles that went in and out of fashion. Many were decorated to match personal costume, and jewelers worked on the finest small-swords of the day.
Blade: made in Solingen, Germany, early 18th century.
); Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund; Swiss, out of copyright
Media ID 22918616
© Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund / Bridgeman Images
Blade Geneva Hilt Militaria Smallsword
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Small-Sword from the late 18th century, representing the pinnacle of its development. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite piece is made of gold adorned with blue translucent enamel and etched, blued, and gilded steel. Housed in the prestigious Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA, it stands as a testament to both French taste and Swiss craftsmanship. The small-sword was more than just a weapon; it served as an emblem of social status for affluent individuals during formal or court occasions. Its short blade made it lightweight and agile, making it the preferred choice for aristocratic civilians throughout the 1700s. Worn at mid-thigh on the left side of a belt, its hilt would peek through the opening of a gentleman's coat. What sets this particular small-sword apart is its lavish decoration. The hilt features intricate designs crafted from precious materials such as gold and enamels. Considered masculine jewelry at that time, these swords were often customized to match personal costumes by skilled jewelers. The blade itself was manufactured in Solingen, Germany during the early 18th century before being transformed into this magnificent work of art. This print captures not only the beauty but also the historical significance behind this remarkable Small-Sword that has stood the test of time.
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